Coalition Of Education Stakeholders Launches The Safe School Manual Project

Says Distribution Of Safe School Manual To Educational Institutions Starts July 31

To enhance safety and security of educational institutions in the country and as token of solidarity and support to Mr. President, the military and security agencies in the effort to enhance safety and security of educational institutions in Nigeria, a coalition of education stakeholders have launched the Safe School Manual Project to empower principal officers of schools across Nigeria with comprehensive body of knowledge on safety and security precautions and best practices.

In a statement signed by the Ike Onyechere, MFR Task Team Leader, Safe School Manual Project said; “The Manual, with foreword by M.D Abubakar, the Inspector General of Police, profiles safety and security best practices for School Administrators, Principals, Teachers, Students and Parents. It provides schools with enabling information to conduct basic school threat and risk assessment audits and how to use such audit reports to develop and install appropriate emergency preparedness and response plans.”

According to Ike Onyechere he added that; “The distribution of the Manual to schools across Nigeria kicks off on 31 July 2014 at the National Universities Commission under the Chairmanship of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, GCON, Deputy Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Over 1000 primary, secondary and tertiary institutions will receive copies of the Manual. Among the Universities that will receive the manual during the first phase of distribution are: University of Lagos; Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike; University of PortHarcourt, University of Jos, Bayero University Kano, Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Bingham University and University of Maiduguri.”

The Statement read further that; “Polytechnics billed to receive Manual on 31 July include: IMT Enugu, Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Rivers Polytechnic Bori, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, Covenant Polytechnic Aba, Light House Polytechnic Edo, and School of Health Technology Nguru Yobe. Colleges of Education to include: Federal College of Education Eha-Amufu, College of Education Igbueben, College of Education Ekiadolor, Enugu State College of Education, College of Education Oju Benue State, College of Education Zing Taraba State, College of Health Technology Cross River and St. Augustine’s College of Education Lagos.

While it also said that distribution to primary and secondary schools will be effected through Association of Primary School Head teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) and All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS). His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria will declare the event open as Special Guest of Honour while His Excellency, Ibrahim Shakarau, Hon. Minister of Education will deliver the Keynote. Governors of various States will also be in attendance.”

Ike Onyechere said; “The Safe School Manual is a product of collective wisdom. It is the product of contributions of 190 professionals and security officers who participated in two international summits and three national workshops organized by Exam Ethics Marshals International in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Police Affairs and Police Service Commission. The Manual is further enriched with materials contributed by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Federal Fire Service. The Safe School Manual Project is being implemented as token of solidarity and support to His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria and to Commanders, Officers and Men of Armed Forces and Security Services in the war against terrorism. The objective is to provide patriotic citizens, organizations and institutions with enabling information and knowledge to render necessary support to security agencies in their effort to keep schools in Nigeria safe and secure.

“The Flag off of the distribution of the Manual on 31 July will be followed by Safe School Capacity Building Summit for Principal Officers of Educational Institutions on 1st August to be declared open by Chief (Barr) Nyeson Wike, Hon Minister of State for Education.

“The Project started in 2011 with enabling Summits and Workshop and the appeal has gone out to other stakeholders to support the distribution until every school proprietor, administrator, teacher and student in Nigeria receives a copy.”